crate

craten.— «In the race track vernacular, the term crate refers to stock competition engines being produced by America’s big three auto manufacturers. “Crate engines are the buzz right now in short-track racing across the nation,” said Jennerstown Speedway General Manager Larry Mattingly. Traditionally, custom-built racing engines have been constructed by specialty firms using after-market parts. The crate concept feature engines that are produced on a factory assembly line, sealed, and then sold to customers through new car dealerships.» —“Jennerstown brings crate engines into Super Late Model class” by Larry Mattingly in Jennerstown, Pennsylvania WhoWon.com May 1, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)